§ 24. Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that the fact that members of the Factory Inspectorate make representations to their Members of Parliament regarding the proposed reorganisation will not be considered adversely from the point of view of their career prospects.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerAlthough this is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive, Inspectors of Factories are civil servants and are subject to the rules which apply to all such officers. The rules relating to grievances provide for an avenue of approach by any officer to the most senior member of staff in his Department. There is no restriction on the right of a civil servant, including an officer of the Health and Safety Executive, to approach his Member of Parliament on matters of public interest. There is therefore no question of the career prospects of a Factory Inspector who exercised this right being adversely affected.
§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors there were in post on 31st July 1975; and how many he expects there will be in post on 31st July 1976.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the number of factory inspectors in post on 31st July 1975 was 772. The number of factory inspectors it is expected will be in post on 31st July 1976 is 905.
§ Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors carried out inspections of factories in Northamptonshire during the 12 months ended 31st July 1975.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerThe Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that during the 12 months ended 31st July 1975, six factory inspectors from the Northampton District Office inspected factories in Northamptonshire, with a maximum of four inspectors in post at the office at any one time. In addition, visits within the district were538W carried out by 26 specialist inspectors from Nottingham Divisional Office and Headquarters.